Change Again....

I woke up this morning, and my template was pretty much gone...I don't know what happened or if there was a glitch, but to make things worse, when I went to get my template code to reinstall it, my computer froze up and I got the "Blue Screen of Death".

Yeah, when it rains it pours. I had to make a whole new template.....I don't even know if I'm completely happy with this one, but it will work for now.

Just wanted to let you all know why it's different...I like redecorating but NOT forcibly and constantly. LOL

Hope this one is ok on all browsers.

Friday already????

I'm telling you, someone is messing with father time. I could have sworn it was just monday, then again it could be that I'm always running out of hours in the day.

I got up this morning and sat down to do my blog, well that didn't last long because the time it took me to think of what to type, the kids were up and I had to get them dressed and ready for school, you know, the usual morning routine thing.

I got back home just as my friend Veronica had hung up, trying to call me. Let me get something clear, I'm NOT a phone person. I'm the type who actually squeals in delight when I can't find a phone number. Now before you go say something mean, just know that it's not like that with everyone. Family and close friends are an entirely different story all together.

Anyway, I called Veronica back and we talked for 103 minutes, yes people, this phoneaphobic talked for 103 minutes without even realizing it. I love talking to Veronica, we are able to talk about anything and everything, I miss having her just across the street....now she's all the way in DC and I'm still in potato land....but hey, if anything it will get me more comfortable with phones LOL

Thank you all for the great comments about my struggles with Jasmine. I'm glad I'm not the only one going through it....it's just that at times you get that feeling of "boy I really must stink as a mother", like you're the only one in the universe struggling with certain things. As if!!!

Couple things going on in blogdom today. Heather, Veronica's friend and someone I had met a couple times, really sweet girl, had just moved to Alaska in July, turns out she started a blog too, so if you get a chance go on over to "My Little Kangaroonies" and say hi. While you're at it, go say hi to Veronica too, they just moved to DC from our base and it's been a big change for everyone.

Yesterday while blogging, well, while out on my blog drive, I came across a blog belonging to Susan Godfrey and her family. After spending one hour visiting, and wiping the tears from my eyes, I was shocked and in awe of the strength this lady has.

Susan is pregnant, and in June their baby was diagnosed with Potter's Syndrome, which means the baby is born with no kidneys and therefore only able to survive for a few hours after birth. They have decided to carry the baby to term.

There is a prayer chain being set up here, to pray for Susan and her family. If you have a moment, please say a prayer for them, you can read more about it at her blog.

I wish I had more time to sit and chat, but my dogs are going bananas. B A N A N A S!!!!
This is what happens when one of them is in Heat, the whole house is turned upside down, I'm not sure, but I'm still convinced that two female dogs should NOT be caught in compromising positions doing things that are not normal for TWO FEMALE DOGS. That's all I'm saying!!!

I have to tell you real quick that the day my MIL arrived, she was sitting on the couch, and the next thing I know I have two dogs trying to get it ON, right up against her. I think my heart stopped and I remember doing some sort of a matrix move, you know, the slow motion jump in the air towards the dogs, trying to intervene. It was very weird, but extremely funny now that I think about it LOL

Anyway, I have dogs up to no good, a son trying to build a fort in the living room and my dryer just beeped letting me know that NOW I HAVE TO PUT THE LAUNDRY AWAY.....great!!!

Hope you're all having a wonderful friday :)



We had Steak Lo Mein for dinner, it was pretty good, so go check out the recipe at the food blog if you wish :)
For tonight I'm making Arroz A Valenciana, it's a portuguese rice dish, with chicken, smoked sausage, peas etc. Very good, will post the recipe later.




Montel Williams
General Hospital
Sonhos Traidos (portuguese soap)
Nanny 911
Most Haunted




Ironing and putting away laundry - AGAIN
Vacuuming
Updating Food Blog

September 11......I Remember

I'm not American, most of you know that, but for those that don't....I was not born in this wonderful country, but the events of September 11, 2001, rocked me to the core.

I remember I had just finished eating breakfast. Jasmine was in the living room playing and hubby was asleep upstairs after working midshift.

I don't even know what was on the TV, but the next minute, there were Breaking News Reports and interrupted programs to bring us the news. I vividly remember Jasmine whining because her show was interrupted, and I was in the middle of telling her that it would be just a quick news cast and soon she would have the cartoons back, but something kept me glued to the TV.

The image of the first airplane crashing into the World Trade Center.

I sat in silence and in shock, not knowing what to make of it. Surely something must have happened, a mechanical problem, pilot error, but how??? There's no way he could have missed the tall towers.

Before I could digest everything, the second plane hit and the minute it did, I felt a gut wrenching pain, a lump in my throat and the tears started flowing. It hit me, something big is going on and it affects everyone, but being a military family I also knew what it meant for us.

Even though it's been years there are some moments that replay in my mind, as if in slow motion, a recording that become implated for life.

Those innocent people waving from the windows, looking for any sort of help they could get out of that inferno.

The shocking images of some jumping from the towers.

The towers collapsing, the screams the panic and then the dead silence....

I, much like Shannon, jumped up from the couch racing towards the TV, my arms stretched out as if by some invisible force I could hold the towers up.

I remember the anchors trying to gather information, trying to stay neutral, but some with tears in their eyes, voices cracking and in shock.

I remember feeling imense sadness for all the innocent lives lost, for the pain and grief their families would have to endure.

I remember feeling a tremendous anger at the people who did this, how could they be so vile, so horrible?

I remember our base became a tightly secured place, the base gates were closed, there were ID checks at every building and everywhere imaginable, there was added security, and our guys moved into overdrive. You could feel the tension in the air, the soldiers wanting to just get out there and do what they could, and an immense sense of pride for being able to contribute somehow to this beautiful country.

And finally I remember being extremely proud of my husband as he packed, put on his uniform and was shipped out to defend our country.

September 11.....We will NOT forget!!!

If you want to share your own memory of that day, go on over to Shannon's Blog and add your name to Mr. Linky.

I'm Struggling......

That's how I literally felt when my alarm went off. I don't get it, I could have sworn I had JUST laid down to sleep about five minutes before, how could it be 5:45 am???
But who am I to go against the alarm clock right?

I woke up with a killer headache, which I know is from stress. Things here at paradise have been, oh, not so paradiseish?!?!?
I had a little meltdown last night, I think the headaches I've been getting are stress related and all due to a certain young child named Jasmine.

I love her to death, but she is the most opinionated, gotta-be-my-way, strong-willed, drive my mother and father crazy, kind of child, I've EVER come across. I'm literally holding on to my sanity, I feel like I was placed smack dab in the middle of her teenage years, just that she's only 7 years old.....some cruel joke perhaps???
I don't think a day goes by where she isn't crying about something, whining or complaining about things not going her way, and then yelling at us because she has too much homework, like I'M the teacher. Fiery Red Head indeed!!!

So yes, I had myself a very good cry last night, which left me with not so pretty swollen eyes and a killer headache. If only I had it because of a wild night on the town!!!
But you know, I'll get through it, I have God holding my hand real tight today, guiding me and advising me on what to say. I even invested in some much needed mouth guards, lest I spout off something out of anger and frustration. I'm GOOD TO GO!!!

We're at 63 degrees this morning, and thunderstorms on the way. It feels great, the weather is cool outside, not muggy and oven hot. I'm really looking forward to the thunderstorms though, we need the rain.
But with that it also means, no more walking to and from school, something I really enjoy, and it helps me stay fit.

This kind of weather gets me in a baking mood, so I'm going to be fixing scones, it's been a long time since I've made them and I don't even have the recipe anymore, so I've been looking for them and came across one posted by Lady Laurie and then a couple more posted at one of my newest favorite blogs, Fish Creek House. Cyd runs a Bed and Breakfast, can we say I'm envious??? It's always been one of my dreams. But anyway, Cyd posts such wonderful photos on her blog AND delicious recipes. You really should go over and see.

I went to the thrift store yesterday, and I came home with a bunch of things. Nothing like finding good bargains. These are some of the items I picked up....

I got more stuff, just haven't had the time to get pictures, but isn't that great???

Anyway, it's time to get my housework under way. Here's what's happening on this side of the world:



Last night I made Mushroom Round Steak, it was really good....today I'm fixing Steak Lo Mein (recipe will be up shortly) and I even have fortune cookies for dessert. It's my first time fixing this recipe too, so wish me luck.
I'm also baking some scones to have this afternoon, along with some hot tea, will be the perfect after school snack :)




Nancy Grace
Americas Most Haunted Inns and America's Most Haunted Town
Frasier
Everybody Loves Raymond
Crocodile Hunter
Barefoot Contessa
Sandra's Semi-Homemade
Sonhos Traidos (portuguese soap)






Ironing and putting away laundry
Sweeping and Mopping kitchen and hallways
Changing bed linens
Baking Scones
Starting Jasmine's Knitted Scarf
Updating Food Blog


And there ya have it, that's my plans for today. I guess I should get started shouldn't I???
Just underneath this post, you'll find some Fall Ideas, a post I did for Momrn2 at My Quiet Corner....she's asking us for decorating ideas for fall, go on over and check out her blog.

FALL IDEAS!!!

Momrn2 at My Quiet Corner, is asking us all to give out Fall Ideas. Ways to decorate for the season without having to spend too much money. I'm all for that.

One thing I do is go to Walmart and look through the $1 a yard fabric, I can usually find seasonal fabrics which I use to make curtains, placemats, tablecloths or pillows to match the season we're in.

Another thing I do, is a great way to use up old cans. The kids love helping too, and they look adorable once they're finished. I use tons of cans a week, either for soups or sauces or whatever....instead of throwing them out, I wash them out really well....then I make Tin Can Twinkles.

I found this idea in a magazine many years ago, and though I didn't keep the whole magazine, I did keep the article, so I'm sharing it with you.

The only thing I don't do is paint the stars on, just another way to save money. I buy inexpensive black paint, but then I use the nails and hammer to make the shape of the stars, instead of using a stencil and pain like it suggests....but hey, you can do which ever way you want.

I also get candles with scents like Pumpkin, Gingerbread cookies, Apple Spice etc.

If you have any Fall Ideas to share, go on over to My Quiet Corner and add your name to Mr. Linky. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with too.....great idea Momrn2 :)